They include a soldier in the "Ghost Army" that tricked the Germans, one who led 55 days of fights behind enemy lines in Normandy and one who died after his medal was struck.

Consul Jean-Claude Brunet will present the medals Wednesday to Frank Peragine, Al Goudeau, and Ervin Aden of New Orleans, Albert Lasseigne of Houma, Joseph Latiolais of Breaux Bridge, Anderson Wilson of Slidell, and John Remel of Gonzales.

The family of Joseph Reich, of Covington, also will get the medal even though it's generally not given posthumously.

More than 100 veterans who fought in France during World War II were honored in similar events this year.